Caroline Lucas, the Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion and a leading campaigner for Britain to remain part of the EU, has lambasted David Cameron for his ongoing renegotiation with the EU. Lucas has labelled the negotiations a 'sideshow' and also described the content of Cameron's proposals as 'unfair' and 'short-sighted'.
Caroline Lucas MP said:
'These negotiations are simply an extension of Cameron's endless pursuit of looking 'tough' for his euro-sceptic backbenchers.
'Taking away in-work benefits to EU citizens from other countries is unfair and short sighted. We know that people from the rest of the EU who come here to work pay more in tax than they take out in public services. Indeed EU nationals who move here are less likely to claim benefits.
'Cameron's proposed change would penalise those who contribute hugely to our society, and it is likely to fail even on its own terms given that the Government hasn't produced any evidence to suggest that tax credits are a major draw for EU nationals who come to work here.
'Once the sideshow of this negotiation is over the British people will make the most important decision we've faced in a generation. Do we work with our neighbours on the shared challenges we face? Or do we go it alone - as an isolated country deeply affected by what happens in the EU but unable to be part of decision making?'